Why does society associate marijuana use with unintelligence?

[bodell]

I am a high school senior. My favorite website is the hill.com and I have a full internship on a prominent GOP presidential candidate's campaign (I'm trying to keep this as anonymous as possible, given the nature of what I am saying). I have a solid GPA, a thriving social life, 2000+ on my SAT, and yes, I smoke weed. I'm probably going to an Ivy League school and yet many assume I'm an idiot until they learn more about me simply for that reason. I'm in 6 academic clubs for christ's sake, head of three of them, political correspondent for my school paper, and an active member of student government. If a harmless substance helps me unwind, why does everyone need to be so damn judgy about it? A few facts:

- Pot kills less brain cells/does less general harm to the body than alcohol (although I do drink as well).

- I get that it's bad that pot is seen as "cool" and peer pressure is bad and what not, but I happen to do it and it happens to help out my social life so that's a win win.

- Helps my insomnia. Takes me 2+ hours to fall asleep because I can never get out of my head and shut my brain off.

- Actually releases dopamine, which help with fact recall the day after smoking.

There are idiots who smoke before school and such. That is not advisable. But alcohol is fine and legal, but that doesn't mean a productive person drinks a fifth of jack before coming to work. Everything in moderation. When did it become the policymaker's job to protect the people from themselves? That is not consistent with the American principles of liberty and self determination this nation was founded upon. Even if you think legalization does harm to a society, as Ben Franklin once said, (oft misquoted, and paraphrased for convenience sake even here) "He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither".

But I get it, a lot of dumb people smoke. Still, I'd probably tear my hair out from senior year stress without it, and if we take John Stewart Mill's harm principle to task, me smoking pot is not harming anyone else. Naysayers, are you not smoking right now because it is illegal, or because you don't want to? If you are honest and answered the latter, then why do you care about legalization? When did it become the job of government to protect us from ourselves? And no, I'm not saying that as a liberal or some hippy, I am saying that as a student of the constitution. Read it and tell me why a plant which grows in the ground, and is less harmful than a number of other legal substances should be illegal? I will be waiting.

Anyways, rant over. Deuces.

PS: In case you're wondering if there are actually coherent potheads, I've been high the whole time writing this. Nothing wrong with a little puff to unwind. ;)

[madhatters4]

well the government demonized marijuana in the 1930s and 40s. that's the basic reason why. The movie Reefer Madness may look silly and campy now but when it was released (sponsored by the government) it was taken as the reality of what were (at the time) unknown effects of marijuana.

So that is the basic reason why we view marijuana the way we do. Our government has literally fed us propaganda... now obviously viewpoints are changing but as with anything it can take generations and generations for the true reality to set in

... just remember people used to think cigarette smoking was perfectly healthy

[Anonymous]

All weed users I have met, are fucking stupid. Not saying all of them are. But too much weed is bad for everyone even though it won't kill them. And no, I'm not saying alcohol or cigarettes are better than weed.

[meowcow]

Just a note, almost all of your information is garbage and taken off blogs of pro-marijuana activists without any real knowledge. What you've done is taken heresay from one person and repeated it. After a few cycles of this, the repeated information is slightly changed and does not mean the same thing anymore.

For example, your "fact" that marijuana and alcohol both kill brain cells is not true.
Studies have shown that marijuana use reduces cognitive function, meaning people who smoke pot become less capable and slower at logical reasoning. The number of brain cells stay the same but the brain performs poorly. This does not mean EVERY pothead becomes an idiot. Some people who are very intelligent, just become less intelligent.

Part of the problem with pot is the very fact that young people like yourself feel that you NEED to smoke or use some other drug to get by in life. You obviously cannot handle the simple stresses in life. In reality, your 1st world problems are shallow compared to others in 3rd world countries who live in great despair with no money, no education and no way of earning money or improving their lifestyle.

That is what we call weak-willed, and there are far too many 20-somethings who smoke pot to escape the realities of life. Only to make themselves dumber over time and becoming non-contributing members of society.

Suggesting that pot should be legalized because alcohol and tobacco are legal isn't really logical. So basically, if you have 2 drugs that are detrimental to society, then that's a reason to allow a 3rd drug? If you have an alcohol problem, does that mean we should give you a marijuana problem too? Instead, pro-marijuana activists have not given any tangible reason that marijuana ALONE has any tangible benefits to society. All arguments are that it may be a replacement for existing street drugs. Or that it's already available on the street - hence you might as well legalize it. But we also have guns on the street... should we legalize people to carry guns in public too (I live in Canada). Anyway, the point is that justifying marijuana use based on a totally independent and unrelated drug is not an argument.

[bodell]

You obviously think that you know what you're talking about, so I'll go point by point:

I actually do not cite very many facts, and definitely none from marijuana legalization blogs. I don't read those, I'm not part of the legalization movement. There is no water down here.

For instance, I noticed that you cited nothing at all for you're point on cognitive impairment. I get it, it is expedient to an argument to make a point with big enough words to that the average GAGer won't look into it more. Do you count Time Magazine as a pro legalization rag however? healthland.time.com/.../ The fact is, is that current scientific research is incredibly unclear on this topic. A study will come out one day saying "Marijuana causes cognitive issues" then "Marijuana causes scitzophrenia" then "Marijuana is completely fine" then "Marijuana use only at a young age causes cognitive issues" and finally "Marijuana causes slight impairment if started at a young age".

[bodell]

These studies are skewed, because most frankly a lot of very smart people are too nervous about getting in trouble possibly and don't even try or continue to use marijuana. Let's leave that aside for a second however. Frankly I'm sick of keeping up with all these studies. Go ahead and read a study called "The China Study". It shows that drinking milk can cause cancer. A similar study was done stating that sunscreen causes skin cancer. You still probably drink milk though, right? (You seem like kind of a milk drinker). The scientific communities stances on these issues is changing rapidly, too many things are carcenogenic or harmful to long term cogntion for me to focus too much on these studies.

And I don't "NEED" pot to get by in my life. But, most frankly, who gives a fuck if I did? It is a luxury I can afford in the first world. Am I week willed because I "need" to watch TV? Have a rood over my head? Eat three square a day? Drive in a car daily?

[bodell]

If you are to suggest that I am somehow weakwilled since I have certain first world luxuries, then I better hope that you are a monk. Otherwise, you come off as a bit of a hypocrite. Frankly life is stressful. Most sane people have some vice that they do to keep up. I am positive you do as well. Mine just happens to be a leafy herb.

[bodell]

And yes, the alcohol tobacco argument is a valid one, one which you fundamentally misunderstand. It is fundamentally American that the burden of proof for something like this is on the government. Things are not illegal or illegal because of their benefit to society. If people want to harm themselves, why the fuck can't they? I see that you are an intelligent individual who wants to learn, so please go read On Liberty by John Stuart Mill. You will find 'the harm principle'. He says "The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." This is fundamentally American. The Bill of Rights exists to put the burden of proof on a government. We, as Americans have the right to be individuals, just as long as we do not harm others. That was the original intent at least. And, just as a side note, many states to have open and concealed carry laws.

[spuitkaas]

I don't think the people who use weed are stupid. In fact, most people I know who use weed are actually smart and do the highest level of education.
I do get where that idea comes from though. A lot of people if they get high regularly kind of 'stay high'. You get what I mean? These people kinda act like they're high even if they aren't. The more you use it, the more you have that.
Weed is legal in my country and I've got quite some friends who use it. At first I thought it was pretty harmless, but from what I've seen weed really changes you. In the way you act, your concentration level drops and you feel all weak in your body (at least my friend has that a lot). It's also really bad for your lungs and stamina.
So don't use it too often. I understand that you need some stress relief once in a while, but you can get sort of addicted to it. A friend of mine also lies now about how often he uses it and can't control his use anymore. They say it's not addictive, but from what I've seen it really is.

[HookingSwan]

You have the right to do whatever you want. I think i should however tell you that continued use of marijuana for a solid amount of years can cause people to have pulmonary edema or even epilepsy.

These might also never happen to you. But it is an increased risk on developing those

[bodell]

I am wondering where you are getting your data from. On the epilepsy note, all I could find through google were reports about medical marijuana being effective in the suppression of seizures. Couldn't find any reports suggesting cause there though. Pulmonary edema is simply because it is a smoked substance, true for cigarrettes as well.

[HookingSwan]

My information has been acquired in med school

It can either happen or not happen, but it increases the risk of developing it, for sure.

[bodell]

I just am wondering why there is no info on that in the internet. Maybe the medical opinionhas changed since then or something?

[HookingSwan]

This was said by a teacher that made a thesis on it.

She studied marijuana compounds. Maybe that is why u don't find much info on it.

[awkwardshyguy]

Iono maybe she's talking about synthetic weed. i know so many adults whove been smoking since they were kids and theyre fine

[Nice_Guy_Last]

It's just that all of the potheads I know fail in every aspect of their life while doing it, and when they stop, things start working out for them. I love my girl, but when she did pot, she was a loser, and I was too stupid to realize it. She stopped it, and almost instantaneously became a responsible person. Now, whether or not she became a responsible person and then quit weed, or vice versa, the fact of the matter is that she did nothing with herself when she was using, and then she stopped and finished a degree she left off two years prior.
I would never say that no one can function while using, but the statistic remains that CEOs, the most influential politicians, the greatest scientists, and the most important philanthropists in our society did not achieve success while using. I have no doubt in cognitive ability, but I question the drive and motivation of an individual who is a pot user.

[Anonymous]

Look, you can say all you want about how great you are and the benefits of smoking weed for you. That's all fine and dandy- good for you. Pat on the back, whatever.
The reason people don't like marijuana is because for some people in can result in severe anxiety, depression or schizophrenia.
It's also an addictive substance- something that some people will become addicted to or dependent on and waste their time because they cannot function without it. That's just some.
There are good reasons for people disliking the drug you smoke. It works well for you but can have devastating effects on others. I'm surprised you didn't know that if you're so smart.

[Anonymous]

Smart potheads know it's illegal and don't talk about it. Why the fuck is an intelligent person gonna walk around showing the world he's doing something that can get him arrested. Wolf of Wallstreet seems like an awesome story but it's more real than people like to admit. It's not that all potheads are dumb it's that dumb potheads are the only ones getting caught.

[Opinion Owner]

Case in point 2 chains and Michael phelps aren't in jail for a reason.

[Anonymous]

Apparently smarter people tend to smoke weed more. It is true that people aren't as smart while high though :P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srgVXJKiC_c

[bodell]

Yeah, exactly why I would never advocate for it's use before school/work/tests. But if I'm not going to be working on a Friday night or a weekend either way, it's a good stress reliever.

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah it's great for relaxing and having a laugh with friends. But don't do it too often or it will stop having any effect and you will need loads of it to feel anything

[TripleAce]

Smart people will be smart whether they smoke weed or not.. but thats a minority

For the rest - it will affect them negatively.. If they constantly smoke, they will have reduced short term memory. They will natrually be more lazy and they will overstimulate their reward system leading to a lower determination to thrive in society

[DessieDoo]

The only people who judge it are the people who have never experienced it OR had a bad paranoia tiff while smoking (which is completely in their heads). Just saying. I smoke even though its very rare and it helps me sleep, think, focus, etc. People are just stupid and will literally judge everything you do.

[PiuBelloAmante]

I used to smoke
I don't really get upset about its illegal status or try to defend it

I don't think pot makes anyone an idiot but it is associated with carefree and chill people
So maybe people think you just don't care?
Even Though you probably do care

[lePoivre]

I think it's stupid to smoke anything in general, but that's what vapor and edibles are for =) I mean sure vapor will harm your lungs eventually, but I doubt it will as quickly as smoke. Anyway, I agree, being high is much better than being drunk.

[lumos]

I've never met someone who smokes weed and isn't a dumbass, both high and otherwise.

[Fugue]

Wow. This is an "editor"? Yikes.

[lumos]

@Fugue it's just my personal experience, never claimed all weed smokers are dumbasses. Plus my editor status doesn't mean shit, I'm a regular user who just writes myTakes every now and then.

[Maverickj]

@Fugue editor status doesn't mean much. Just look at Ozanne, she was apparently very popular but all she did was block people who disagreed with her traditionalist views.

Other than that I haven't met anyone who smokes weed and is intelligent, either.

[Fugue]

@Maverickj Maybe intelligent people have better things to do than to meet you?

[lumos]

@Fugue give it a rest.

[sketchy]

Just a helpful tip: If you're going to try and convince people that you're intelligent, don't open with "I have a full internship on a prominent GOP presidential candidate's campaign".

[bodell]

Sorry, but all the "bipartisan" rifts that Dems talk about is exacerbated by statements like this. I am a libertarian. I'm pro abortion, gay marriage, equal rights, and opportunity. I am as against crony capitalism as you are, as it inhibits market equality. I also realize that we are 17 Trillion in debt, unlike the modern Democratic Party. In the 1980s I'd be a republican, in 1990 (Bill is my favorite POTUS ever) I would be democrat. Both parties are equally abyssmal.

[dartmaul15]

because continued use of it IS harmful to you. One hit won't hurt, but smoke it over time and it will hurt.

the fact is people asumg you're unintelligent because you ruin your body like that. Also it's publically not accepted. That's why

[bodell]

I have a right to do harmful things to myself though. Why can't people chill and stay out of my business. Judge people after talking to them, not before.

[dartmaul15]

because first impression matter.
It's a defence mechanism, and it's the reason you avoid sleazy looking people at night, or avoid thugs down in the subburbs.

You do an action, and there's a counterreaction regarding judgement. If you don't like that, then don't do the action

[Dandeus]

Pot has been repeatedly linked to memory issues. I know a lot of people that smoked pot in high school. That was 20 years ago. The ones who made a daily habit of it and continue to smoke, the effect on their mental presence and focus is painfully apathy today. The ones who kept it social or gave it up are much sharper than the long term users.

[John_Doesnt]

I associate all drug users with "unintelligence". Anybody who learns about human anatomy would know how stupid drugs are and how permanent the effects are.
Destroy your body for a few hours of fun? Yeah, sounds real smart to me. I know from experience that drug users aren't smart because my dumbass parents did drugs. They're both dead because of it and they left behind their kid with only a harsh life lesson.

[Fugue]

Do you drink coffee, or anything with caffeine?

[AllThatSweetJazz]

I think that's the case with all drugs, stupid people are more likely to do it irresponsibly and leave a bad impression on society, they become people's druggie horror stories.

Personally I smoke socially, but I find it makes me less chatty and slows me down a lot. I think alcohol is better for having fun.

[SirenDep]

Everyone makes mistakes. Being smart, doesn't mean you're always right. Smoking marijuana is your choice, if it's legal where you live, but it's a mistake nonetheless and you shouldn't promote it to others.

[sweetkiss99]

I dont know but I feel pretty intellegent when Im high. My brain is open, Im analyzing and I look at things differently than if I was sober. Thus getting my creative juices flowing. So light it up and pass cuz Im pro Ganga🍀

[LittleSally]

As Raj says: I wonder why...
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